Today’s passage: 2 Samuel 15
Helpful thoughts:
- Without reconciliation with king David, Absalom would not have had access to these chariots and horses. Absalom used his father’s forgiveness against him.
- The gate of the city was the common place for public judicial hearings. Absalom found a weak spot in David’s governing and utilized against him.
- He flattered the people and stole their hearts for four whole years before moving to the next phase of his plan. This was not a decision made on a whim.
- Having taken so many officials from Jerusalem would have given the appearance that David knew of and supported Absalom’s actions. It was not too uncommon then for a king to crown his heir before he died and for them to reign together for a time.
- Ahithophel was Bathsheba’s grandfather and would become a counselor to Absalom. Hushai’s job was to give Absalom the opposite counsel from whatever Ahithophel suggested.
Questions to consider:
- What do you believe God’s opinion was towards the sacrifices Absalom offered during this rebellion? What kind of sacrifice does God desire and deserve?
- In rejecting the presence of the Ark of the Covenant (Allowing it to remain in Jerusalem), and in relinquishing control of the situation to God, who was David trusting in? Who was he seeking to protect? Was David utilizing the tension to garner for himself more followers and secure his power or was he acknowledging that God might have a better plan for the people than for him to remain the king?
- How would you compare and contrast the leadership styles portrayed by Absalom and David in this chapter? How does believing in and relying on the goodness and the sovereignty of God change the way we see people and our role in relationships? In leadership?